Cabinet backs global battle against terror

Saudi Arabia has expressed its deep concern over the barbaric Israeli attacks on the Palestinians in Gaza that have caused death and destruction and urged the international community to take effective steps to stop violence all over the world and promote global peace and stability.

The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Deputy Crown Prince Muqrin, expressed its resentment and regret for the continuation of the tragic events in the occupied Palestinian territories and several Arab countries, which it said has been witnessing events of unprecedented brutality and mass destruction.

“The international community must shoulder its humanitarian and ethical responsibilities to stop the bloodshed and assume an active role ensuring a decent, secure and stable life for people the world over and to promote coexistence of people of all faiths.”

In this context, the Cabinet appreciated a statement issued by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al-Asheikh highlighting Islam’s tolerance and its moderate teachings.

The mufti had cautioned against extremist groups that use Islam to achieve their vested interests and has denounced all forms of terrorism.

The Cabinet welcomed the resolutions taken by the Arab foreign ministers meeting in Jeddah on Sunday.

It condemned the terrorist attack that targeted worshipers at a mosque in Diyala province of Iraq, claiming the lives of dozens of innocent people in the country.

Culture and Information Minister Abdul Aziz Khoja said the Cabinet appreciated the positive comments made by the US on the Kingdom’s successful efforts to fight terrorism and its constructive cooperation at international levels to combat terrorism.

Prince Muqrin earlier briefed the Cabinet on the telephone conversation between Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah and British Prime Minister David Cameron that dealt with the latest developments in the region.

Khoja said the meeting amended a law allowing municipalities to use not more than 25 percent of their multi-story parking facilities for commercial purposes following certain conditions.

The Cabinet endorsed a defense cooperation agreement with Poland, which covers military education and training, exchange of military information and expertise and medical and health services, Khoja explained.

It amended articles of the Health Law for the formation of the Saudi Health Council.

The Cabinet approved Saudi Arabia’s accession to the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters and the final accounts of the Saudi Wildlife Commission for fiscal years 2012 and 2013. It endorsed the Kingdom’s accession to the Agreement on the International Carriage of Perishable Foodstuffs and the Special Equipment to be Used for such Carriage (ATP).

The Cabinet appointed Mosaed bin Abdul Rahman Al-Drees as director-general of the port at the Saudi Ports Authority, Osama bin Hussein Al-Mansouri as planning expert at the Ministry of Economy and Planning, Saleh bin Mohammed Al-Ghurairy as consultant civil engineer at the Directorate of Military Works at the Ministry of Defense, and Suleiman bin Khlaiwi Al-Harbi as assistant undersecretary for industrial affairs at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.